During China’s 17th National Disaster Prevention and Reduction Publicity Week, the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR) organized a diverse range of science popularization and educational activities. Through theoretical lectures, hands-on drills, and interactive experiences, these initiatives aimed to enhance disaster preparedness awareness and emergency response capabilities for both university campus communities and the broader public.

On-Campus Campaigns

On May 9, IDMR and its student associations held a disaster prevention and reduction science outreach event at the Jiangan Campus of Sichuan University. The event involved activities a quiz competition on emergency rescue knowledge, a themed exhibition on disaster prevention, and immersive virtual reality (VR) disaster simulations.

Off-Campus Outreach

Simultaneously, IDMR extended  its activities beyond the Sichuan University campus. On 13th May, the faculty members joined a special program of Sichuan Radio’s Safety Live Room, which was titled “Experts Teach You Safety Investigation Techniques.” During the program, they shared insights from Sichuan’s post-disaster reconstruction experiences, including lessons from the Wenchuan, Lushan, and Luding earthquakes. From 10th to 16th May, IDMR faculties also engaged with communities and schools in undertaking the following:

· Conducted a disaster preparedness workshop at Fangying Community, Dafeng Sub-district, Chengdu.

· Delivered lectures and skill-training sessions at Xinmin Township Central Primary School in Shimian County.

· Organized a visit to the Sichuan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Reduction Education Museum.

· Hosted emergency rescue skill training at Xiangcheng Primary School in Xindu District.

Through the distribution of manuals, case studies, first-aid training, and VR simulations, IDMR also translated specialized knowledge into actionable skills for the public.

Academic Collaboration and Innovation

IDMR also spearheaded some academic exchanges, including the following:

· On 11th May, IDMR hosted the launch of the Guidelines for Disaster Relief Material Management by Social Forces, co-developed by its faculty. This marked a milestone in standardizing disaster relief efforts by social organizations in China.

· On 9th May, IDMR held an academic seminar with a delegation from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and reached a consensus on advancing disaster resilience in the Himalayan region.

· On 10th May, IDMR signed a cooperation framework with the Jinshajiang Road School in Deyang City to explore integrated safety education models across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

In a nutshell, these activities are in tandem with IDMR’s vision that “every global citizen should cultivate disaster awareness and education,” which thus demonstrates the institute’s expertise and commitment towards social responsibility. Moving forward, IDMR will continue innovating in disaster education to contribute wisdom and solutions for building a safer, more resilient society.